TNA Wrestling has signed former WWE talent Katie Lea Burchill to a contract.
The former WWE Diva took part in a tryout match for the company in August, wrestling Madison Rayne.
Burchill was released from WWE in April following a four year run with the organization.
Check out this video of WWE star Chris Jericho’s metal band FOZZY’s live UK tour.
Fozzy plays their song “Enemy” live at Edinburgh’s Studio 24 on Wednesday 13th October 2010:
The official website of World Wrestling Entertainment’s developmental promotion, Florida Championship Wrestling, has added two male wrestlers and two female wrestlers to its roster page — Kenny Li, Ron Myers, Sonia and Verity Thomas.
Sonia, who’s real name is Su Yung, has wrestled for various independent wrestling promotions in the United States including Memphis Ladies Wrestling, LadySports and Glory. She signed a developmental contract with WWE in May and debuted last month in FCW under the name Vannah.
Thomas is British-based women’s wrestler Vickie Skeeles. The 23-year-old was signed to a developmental contract in August and had recently debuted in FCW.
Li is 27-year-old Texas-based independent wrestler Li Fang, who the company recently signed to a developmental contract. He bills himself on his MySpace page as “the first ever Chinese wrestler.” He has been wrestling professionally since 2006 and has appeared for numerous Texas-based independent promotions including Professional Championship Wrestling (PCW).
Myers formerly competed as Kris Logan in Florida Championship Wrestling prior to being released last year. He was recently re-signed to a developmental contract.
Meanwhile, WWE has released Rudy Parker (a/k/a Asher Knight) from his developmental contract. He was signed from Ohio Valley Wrestling in January.
Jersey Shore star Jenni “J-Woww” Farley spoke to RadarOnline.com this week about her appearance on tonight’s episode of TNA iMPACT!
Related: Pictures Of J-WOWW From TNA’s iMPACT! Tapings
J-Woww tells RadarOnline that tonight’s appearance may not be a one-time deal:
“Never in a million years would I ever think I would be at TNA so it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m glad I did it. You know, I never thought I could be able to do it; it’s pretty intense, but after getting in the ring and, you know, going in there, the adrenaline rush I could definitely see myself doing something like this in the future.”
A TNA representative commented on working with J-Woww:
“We would definitely love to have her back. She’s a black belt, she’s very athletic and she was very good at this. TNA has worked with countless celebrities and lots of ex-professional athletes…and she got it! She was a very quick learner. She was as physical and ring-smart as you could be given the fact that she’d never done it before and she knows the entertainment side of it.”
Related: Video of J-WOWW’s Segment For Thursday’s TNA iMPACT!
Busted Open with Booker T
Hosts: Dave LaGreca and Doug Mortman
Mondays and Wednesdays 2-4 PM ET
Sirius 125, XM 241 (note: new channels)
Here are some highlights of what Booker T said about:
Whether He Would return To TNA or WWE: “I’m a free agent… It’s about making a phone call. I left on good terms. I’m pretty good friends with Terry Taylor. I left on good terms with Dixie Carter. But I don’t want to get back on that WWE schedule… I would be willing to do commentary. I’d be willing to work behind the scenes (with WWE).
Why He Went To TNA: “I went there to make those young guys a lot better, guys like A.J. (Styles), (Robert) Roode, Black Machismo, and the list goes on and on… The Main Event Mafia could still be going today… The wrestling business is all about the young guys coming up and taking those spots.”
TNA Rehashing Old Angles: “I feel the past should left in the past. You cannot recreate WCW. TNA was in a great position to move up to the next level.”
Rumors of Him Leaving a Live Event and Not Putting Over Matt Morgan: “It was one live event, overseas, and there was not any security. The fans were throwing full cans of beer. I felt unsafe working in that environment… I did not want to put over Matt Morgan that night because I had never had a segment with Matt Morgan.”
Visit Facebook.com/bustedopen for more information.
— Among those discussed this past week for induction into the 2011 WWE Hall of Fame were Bill Goldberg, Lex Luger and Ron Simmons.
Also under consideration for induction into the Hall is that of the Four Horsemen. Company officials would prefer to induct the group as opposed to solely Arn Anderson. However, the group’s induction will likely hinge on whether Ric Flair re-signs with TNA Wrestling once his current contract expires early next year.
WWE also has strong interest in inducting Sting into the Hall of Fame, though his availability hinges on whether he re-signs with TNA Wrestling for 2011.
— WWE creative plans to have Pee Wee Herman and Superstars participate in “Pee Wee’s Playhouse” backstage segments when the comedian hosts Monday Night Raw on Nov. 1 in Nashville, Tennessee.
— The Sept. 14 Friday Night SmackDown television taping at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan drew 5,059 patrons paying $201,690.
source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
— The Wrestling Observer Newsletter speculates that due to The Undertaker’s health, matches pitting “The Deadman” against Kane for WWE’s tour of the U.K. next month have been changed to Triple Threat bouts with the inclusion of Big Show.
— In an update on the condition of Patrick Henry, older brother of WWE Superstar, Mark Henry, doctors have taken him off the medication that was keeping him in a coma and he is expected to be revived today. Henry had several surgeries to stop the bleeding and pressure on his brain caused by the stroke he suffered on Oct. 3.
— Both Maryse and The Miz walked the red carpet at last night’s Jackass 3D premiere in Los Angeles, California.
source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
— Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis commented on her current status in the professional wrestling industry yesterday on Twitter.
“No,” she said in response to a fan’s query regarding a possible return. “I had an amazing time with all the great superstars and divas, but music and acting is my life now. Maybe an appearance, but never fulltime. I still love wrestling though!! Love the fans.”.
— Former WWE Diva Torrie Wilson noted on Twitter that she recently shut down her clothing boutique Jaded, which she opened three years ago in The Woodlands, Texas, at the upscale Market Street district. She also said she will soon be re-locating to Los Angeles, California, from Houston, Texas.
— Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia will be appearing at the Hollywood XPO this Saturday from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. The event is being held at The Hilton at Universal Studios, 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California. Visit www.hollywoodxpo.com for more information
The following is a spoiler-free preview of tonight’s TNA iMPACT! on Spike:
* Jeff Hardy’s first appearance as TNA champion after turning heel at Bound For Glory
* Jersey Shore star J-Woww has a confrontation withThe Shore
* Rob Van Dam vs. Mr. Anderson – winner gets a TNA title shot
* Samoa Joe vs. Abyss
* TNA Knockouts champion Tara vs. Madison Rayne
*Kurt Angle talks about retirement
* D’Angelo Dinero vs. Fourtune in a Handicap match.
Also scheduled to appear are Sting, Kevin Nash, The Beautiful People and more.
— There is conflicting discussion as to whether World Wrestling Entertainment will unify the WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XXVII. While it was a big topic of conversation a few weeks ago, a well-placed source is skeptical as to whether company officials will follow through with the idea.
— It has been confirmed that The Great Khali will appear on the ongoing fourth season of the Indian version of television reality show Big Brother, Bigg Boss. The WWE Superstar will be introduced as the twelfth inmate when the show airs on Saturday.
He (Khali) is known for his strength in the wrestling ring but, with this show, his fans will get to see a part of his life as they watch him eat, sleep, laugh and interact with other contestants,” said WWE executive vice president Andrew Whitaker.
For more on the story, click here.
— Night of Champions at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois actually drew 12,500 patrons, as opposed to the announced attendance of 13,851. The gate was $782,205.
(sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Pro Wrestling Torch)
— TNA Wrestling’s decision to turn Jeff Hardy heel was made approximately seven weeks ago. The creative department felt that it was adamant that the group Abyss had been referring to as “they” for the past several months include the TNA World Heavyweight Champion and it was determined that Hardy and Rob Van Dam were the prime options.
— Mr. Anderson has been pulled from wrestling at this weekend’s TNA Wrestling house show loop across the Midwest due to an injury suffered at last night’s iMPACT! television taping. He will still be appearing as advertised.
While the specific injury is not confirmed, the former Mr. Kennedy reportedly suffered a gash during his match.
— Today is former TNA talent Karen Angle’s birthday as she turns 38 years old. Regarding this, she wrote on Twitter: “Thank you for the birthday wishes everyone! 38th years old today…I am the happiest I’ve ever been thank you to my amazing husband and kids for making everyday special!!!!”
She was also in attendance at Sunday’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view.
sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, PWInsider.com
— According to today’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Sting is “expected to be gone” from TNA Wrestling following this week’s set of television tapings, which were completed yesterday in Orlando, Florida.
The multi-time champion is limited by an injury to his shoulder and has not signed a new contract, so he’s only committed to the organization until the end of the year. There was talk this week that he would be taking time off from this point forward.
— The official TNA Wrestling website has added Mickie James, Robbie E, and Cookie to its roster page.
— TNA Superstar Robbie E has launched a Twitter account.
Former WWE performer Lance McNaught (a/k/a Lance Cade) died on August 13, 2010 from accidentally ingesting multiple drugs combined with the effects of a an enlarged heart, according to an autopsy report from a medical examiner in San Antonio, Texas.
A staffer of the Bexar County, Texas, Medical Examiner’s Office said of McNaught’s death to The New Haven Register in Connecticut: “The cause was ruled mixed drug intoxication, complicating a cardiomyopathy.” His death was ruled accidental.
The medical examiner’s report does not indicate whether McNaught’s use of anabolic steroids contributed to cardiomyopathy, which has been linked to steroid abuse.
Robert Zimmerman, a spokesman for World Wrestling Entertainment, told the newspaper that WWE obtained e-mails written by McNaught to a fellow wrestler, saying he had ordered two types of steroids in March and expected to fail a drug test.
McNaught was released from WWE in October 2008, then rehired in September 2009. He was sent to drug rehabilitation at his request, but was released a second time in April.
For more on the story, click here.
— Following Monday’s Raw, one spot remains for Team Raw for the WWE Bragging Rights Tag Team Match at WWE Bragging Rights. The remaining spot was tabbed for Mark Henry, and may still be, but he missed the show because his brother is in a coma after suffering a stroke last week.
— The pre-sale password for WWE’s Over The Limit pay-per-view event taking place on May 22, 2011 at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington is CENA. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster.com. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday.
— It’s interesting to note that Jillian is featured as today’s “Daily Diva” on WWE.com. While she still’s officially listed as a WWE Superstar on the company website, she was reportedly removed from the active roster two weeks ago due to her new assigned role as trainer for developmental promotion Florida Championship Wrestling.
— Next month on WWE Classics on Demand, WWE “gives thanks” with shows celebrating legends, announcers and matches. The synopsis reads: “All November on WWE Classics On Demand, we feature all the Superstars, matches and moments that the WWE Universe should be thankful for.”
— The cover art for WWE’s Night of Champions DVD, which features Randy Orton, has been released. To view it, click here.
World Wrestling Entertainment has confirmed to Yahoo! Sports that they will not be holding their annual Tribute to the Troops event this year.
While there are no plans to hold the special event this year from an overseas base, company officials have discussed the possibility of visiting a base in the United States and doing a similar-style event.
TNA Wrestling has posted the following video of Jenni “J-WOWW” Farley’s appearance at Monday’s iMPACT! tapings, set to air this Thursday night on SpikeTV:
— Based on the initial advertisement that was cut for Bragging Rights, the original plan was for John Cena and Big Show to be the respective captains of Raw and Smackdown.
Read More: Team SmackDown Members & Buried Alive Match Confirmed
— It is said that creative writer Michael Hayes brainstormed the finish to The Undertaker vs. Kane match at Hell in a Cell, which saw Paul Bearer turn on “The Deadman” by using the mystical urn’s “mysterious incandescence” to weaken him. The portly manager then handed the one-time dentist the object, which he then used as a weapon against Booger Red.
— In attendance notes, Saturday’s Raw live event in Stockton, California did 4,500, while Monday’s Raw television taping in Seattle, Washington drew 8,500. Last Wednesday’s SmackDown live event in Hidalgo, Texas drew a sellout crowd of 7,000 fans.
(sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Pro Wrestling Torch)
WWE Hall of Famer Jesse Ventura was a guest on “Good Morning America” today and said that he would vote to send Linda McMahon to the United States Senate next month.
Ventura, who is very outspoken about politics and is the former Governor of Minnisota, told host George Stephanopoulos:
“I don’t vote for Democrats or Republicans. If she ran as an independent she could possibly get my endorsement, but I refuse.”
Ventura also ranted about 9/11, claiming the United States government knew it was going to happen and did nothing to stop the terror attacks. Ventura was there to promote the second season of his Conspiracy Theory show.
Check out the interview below, courtesy of ABCNews.com:
The toxicology results are in for former WWE performer Luna Vachon.
The District Six Medical Examiner’s office in Florida found that Luna died from an accidental overdose of painkillers and anti-anxiety medication.
TMZ.com reports that the 48-year-old wrestler had oxycodone and benzodiazepine in her system when she died in her Florida home back in August.
Shortly after her death, it was reported that investigators found crushed pill residue and snorting straws at multiple locations inside Luna’s house.
Luna’s ashes were scattered last month at the late Andre The Giant’s ranch in North Carolina.
Hollywood actor and former WWE creative team member Freddy Prinze Jr. made his return to World Wrestling Entertainment at Monday’s RAW, according to pwinsider.com.
Prinze worked as a WWE writer last year for several months and left to take an acting gig on FOX show “24.” He will be working as a producer and director of WWE television shows.
Prinze is a lifelong wrestling fan and has appeared on camera at several WWE events – in the crowd and as the Guest Host of RAW last August, when he got beat up by Randy Orton.
Former pro wrestler turned Mixed Martial Arts fighter Bobby Lashley spoke to Sherdog.com this week about his future in MMA.
Lashley, who suffered his first MMA defeat this summer at the hands of relative unknown Chad Grigg, says he’s planning to fight again in December whether its for Strikeforce or another company:
“This year has been tough with the injuries I’ve had; plus I got mono. I’ve started back with my training and there have been a couple of fights come up that I’ve given a thumbs up to, and I’ve tentatively got a fight scheduled. It’s December 10th or 11th, but I have to wait on saying who it’s with. There’s two different organizations that I’m talking to. I have to get out there and fight.”
Lashley says he asked Stikeforce for a rematch with Griggs, but isn’t sure if that’s in the cards:
“I asked Strikeforce for a rematch (with Griggs), but I’m not sure if it’s in the works. I don’t really know what’s in my contract. The last thing I want to do is do something to violate my contract. After my last fight, I owe it to Scott Coker and to the world to come back stronger.”
Warning: The Following contains *Spoilers* for Friday’s WWE SmackDown
At Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings, Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, Alberto Del Rio, Edge, Kofi Kingston and Tyler Reks were confirmed for Team SmackDown at Bragging Rights.
Also, it was announced that Kane will defend the World Heavyweight title against The Underataker in a Buried Alive match.
Here is the updated card for WWE’s Bragging Rights pay-per-view:
WWE Title Match
Randy Orton (c) vs. Wade Barrett with John Cena
Buried Alive Match For The World Heavyweight Title
Kane (c) vs. The Undertaker
RAW vs. SmackDown Match
The Miz, R-Truth, John Morrison, Santino Marella, Sheamus, CM Punk and 1 More RAW Star vs. Big Show, Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, Alberto Del Rio, Edge, Kofi Kingston and Tyler Reks.
WWE Unified Divas Title Match
Natalya vs. Layla or Michelle McCool
Make sure to BE HERE on Sunday, October 24th for our LIVE COVERAGE of WWE Bragging Rights!
After being eliminated from NXT last week, Jamie Keyes was released from her developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment,.
The company signed her to the contract earlier this year after reportedly viewing her promotional pictures for the all-women’s wrestling promotion Wrestlicious.
Keyes served as the ring announcer for the second season of NXT before taking part in the third season as a competitor.
— Evan Bourne is expected to be sidelined for four months once he undergoes shoulder surgery, reports www.f4wonline.com.
— Edge is being advertised again to appear at WWE’s Fan Appreciation Day event at the XL Center in Hartford, Conn., on Saturday, Oct. 30.
— John Cena is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Fighting Spirit, with the headline reading “Have We Cena ‘Nuff?” To view the cover, click here.
The synopsis reads: “Between his superhero act getting incredibly old and him almost ruining the careers of people like The Miz and Nexus by squashing them completely, FSM has had it up to here with John Cena. But is it really all his fault? FSM examines WWE’s top man and wonders if he’s to blame for ruining WWE for everyone.”
Warning: These pictures contain *SPOILERS* for Thursday’s TNA iMPACT!
Jersey Shore’s Jenni “J-Woww” Farley will be appearing on Thursday’s episode of TNA iMPACT!
The MTV reality star came to the ring with The Beautiful People and got into a physical altercation (CATFIGHT!) with The Shore’s Cookie.
Read More: *SPOILERS* TNA iMPACT! Tapings Results For Thursday
Here are some pictures from Jersey Shore star J-Woww’s appearance at Monday’s TNA iMPACT! tapings, set to air this Thursday night on Spike TV.
